Concerted action by political, social and private actors at the local
level can be very useful for promoting economic competitiveness, but in order for it to become a reality it would be essential for the local communities to have greater autonomy and resources, as well as equal opportunities. This article begins by investigating the conditions required in order to ensure that the deeper political decentralization needed for local development will promote efficiency and equity, as well as the ways in which transfer systems can become decisive means for increasing equity and generating greater efficiency. Within this theoretical framework, an analysis is then made of the basic transfer systems used
in the older and/or more advanced decentralization processes of the region, and some guidelines are proposed not only for making local development viable in the conditions in question but also for progressing in building fuller citizenship.
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